Wednesday, 28 October 2015

I have always had a fondness for lemongrass, it is hard not to fall in love with the fresh uplifting smell of lemongrass. Lemongrass is mainly used in Thai cuisine and here in India lemongrass is not used in cooking except for making teas and even that is not common. Lemongrass belongs to the grass family, it has long thin aromatic leaves. It's botanical name is Cymbopogon Citratus. Lemongrass is called Gandhatrina in Hindi, Elumichai Pul in Tamil, Nimma Gadi in Telugu and Nimbe Hullu in Kannada. The lemongrass essential oil distilled from the leaves is also used for treating many ailments and is easily available everywhere. In my family many are forest and bird lovers, while others are busy looking for animals and birds during a trek, I will be usually busy looking for new herbs. I took the above picture the last time we went on a trek into the forest. Lemongrass has anti bacterial, anti fungal, astringent, anti inflammatory, anti cancer and pain suppressant properties which makes it very effective in home remedies. Lemongrass can be used as a remedy at home for mild fevers, indigestion, cold, flu and to improve our mood. Here in India we don't get fresh lemongrass roots in the markets, if you are keen on getting fresh lemongrass you need to visit a local forest. If you can get a single shoot you can easily plant and propagate it in your garden. I prefer fresher roots but using dried lemongrass is fine too. You can also buy the lemongrass essential oil from herb shops. You can also make an infusion of roots with a carrier oil at home for using it externally like a massage oil. Lemongrass also is rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, many of the B vitamins, Vitamin C along with minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc, etc. lemongrass side effects: Though lemongrass is said to boost milk in breast feeding women, I couldn't find convincing evidence that it is 100 % safe for pregnant and breast feeding mothers so please practice caution unless you are very sure that it is safe. Never use lemongrass essential oil directly on the skin, always use it mixed with a carrier oil.

7 AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS & MEDICINAL USES OF LEMONGRASS FOR 1. Lemongrass For Skin: Facial Toner:Lemongrass can be used for skin as it has anti bacterial properties. Lemongrass makes a very effective toner as it is a good astringent. Like with all lemongrass preparations, it smells amazingly fresh and since it does not have alcohol, it does not dry out the skin too. To make the toner, first collect the fresh lemongrass and boil it in a cup of water till it reduces in half. Let cool completely. Now make double strength green tea and mix equal quantities of both the liquids along with 5 to 6 drops of lemongrass essential oil, your homemade toner is ready. Lemongrass essential oil mixed with a carrier oil also can be used to treat all kinds of skin infections like eczema, rashes, etc ...2. Lemongrass for Hair Growth:Lemongrass is very good in treating scalp infections like itchy scalp, excessive greasiness and dandruff. Since it has got antibacterial properties, including lemongrass in hair preparations is a good idea. The best way to use lemongrass for hair is by mixing few drops of pure lemongrass essential oil with an unrefined oil. Massage into the scalp well, wait for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off. You can also mix lemongrass essential oil into your normal shampoo before hair wash too...3. Lemongrass Steam for Cold:This lemon grass steam is very very comforting especially done when suffering from cold, headache or chest congestion. For the steam, pound lemongrass roots along with fresh ginger root a bit coarsely in a mortar and pestle. Boil the pounded ingredients in a liter of water, once it comes to a boil switch off. Steam over the infused water covered with a thick blanket. This will give good relief from nasal congestion and headaches too...4. Lemongrass For Mosquito Control: Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Lemongrass is a great natural way to repel mosquitoes naturally. To ward off mosquitoes immediately, collect the fresh lemongrass leaves and crush between your fingers to release the oils and rub onto your body. Growing lemongrass in your home also will help get rid of mosquitoes. Also mixing lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil will greatly help. You can also boil neem leaves in water, strain and add lemongrass oil to it... 5. Lemongrass For Weight loss:The weight loss aspect of lemongrass is due to citral present in it. It boosts metabolism and aids in weight loss if combined with a good diet and exercise. Lemongrass also has been proven to reduce the LDL cholesterol in our body. The best way to consume lemongrass is by making a tea out of it. I still remember the first time I tasted lemongrass tea, I loved the taste and flavor so much. I made the tea with fresh roots and I still prefer it over dried lemongrass. This tea also can be had when suffering from mild fevers, cold, cough and indigestion. You can find the method of making it here...6. Lemongrass For Immunity:Lemongrass improves the immunity and helps to fight of infections very effectively. Since lemongrass is rich in antioxidants, regular consumption helps prevent many major diseases. Though lemongrass is said to kill the cancer cells, the study which made this belief famous was done on rats and further research on humans is needed. But lemongrass definitely helps prevent major diseases like type 2 diabetes and cancer as it is rich in antioxidants which helps prevent free radicals which in turn is the main reason for most of the diseases.7. Lemongrass For Nervous Disorders:Lemongrass either used externally or taken internally as a tea has a soothing effect on the nervous system. Add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your vaporizer and once you inhale the relaxing scent, you will readily agree with me. If you are feeling low and depressed, I highly recommend it. Also a warm cup of lemongrass tea will help one relax and prepare our mind and body for a good night's sleep.